Just wondering how many of you do your own servicing.
Do you do your service while on tour?
If you take it into a service agency, how much does it cost.
What exactly do they do ?
KFT said
06:50 PM Apr 11, 2015
I do my own. I found that the "service" companies do not always do what they have charged me for.
I have the technical skills and experience to do almost all of it and recognise what I should not do.
Now retired I certainly have the time that I did not have whilst working so I can take my time and ensure the job is first class
frank
Dougwe said
07:02 PM Apr 11, 2015
If I had the knowledge and experience I would do it myself for sure.
I had a service done a few moons back only to find out two weeks later it may not have been done properly. Thank goodness for a warranty and good after sales service.
elliemike said
07:06 PM Apr 11, 2015
I do my own servicing, repairs and modifications where possible. The only time I have had a wheel problem (seized brake) was when I had a job done by a Caravan repairer who said they had a special on for Brakes and Bearing service. Had them do that at the same time.
Three months and I had to do the lot again myself. Luckily only a few hours from home. That was just due to poor work, or no skill.
hako said
07:17 PM Apr 11, 2015
I've always done my own servicing mainly because I can - this then makes me responsible for my work. It also saves big dollars plus lots of time as it's done at my leisure.
JayDee said
08:05 PM Apr 11, 2015
I try and be the Handy Man in regards to repairs and maintenance on the van, but wheel bearings brakes and gas is a little out of my expertise.
So I have to use the experts!!!!
You know the old saying about an expert.
An ex ... is a has been
A spert?? ... is a drip.
Still have to pay for the service I guess.
Jay&Dee
iana said
08:45 PM Apr 11, 2015
So what interval criteria do you base the service on, time or Kms.
Bevandy2 said
09:30 PM Apr 11, 2015
Jayco recommend doing the wheel bearings every 10000 k's, I do ours once a year along with a general look over the van, check the gas system with soapy water and check all visible wiring, good idea to check spring shackles too, as the bolts wear down. Look for broken leaf springs, or thoroughly inspect other types of suspension.
If using the brakes a lot, 10000 k's is probably a good idea, otherwise I think it is over kill for the wheel bearings, they are always still packed with clean grease after 10000.
Bevan
Baz421 said
09:43 PM Apr 11, 2015
I do everything except gas lines etc and 240V, cos I am either qualified or have enough experience/nous.
I always say at this point - to do bearings at 10,000km or time based ie every 12 months is an overkill.
Did my bearings last year after 7 years, as good as new. repacked and reinstalled.
On my 2nd set of brake linings and original magnets,,, BUT it does pay to check brakes and magnets for wear on a regular basis - a very easy job and doesn't take too long.
Commercial vehicles, trucks and trailers don't change bearings in short time or low km, so what makes a caravan different and needing over servicing?
iana said
09:27 AM Apr 12, 2015
I agree about over servicing, at the moment I just jack up the wheel, give it a spin to feel bearing condition, check bearing clearance, seals not leaking and tire condition. Maybe clean and examine the bearings and re-grease every two years, depending on use.
I understand that if you need to change magnets and shoes, it is more economical, and easier to replace the whole back plate assembly.
What about the travellers full time on the road, do they do their own service at the park, or take it to a service agent?
deverall11 said
10:12 AM Apr 12, 2015
Had our van 'serviced' in WA prior to returning east across the Nullabor. Charged me $300. Got to SA and felt all was not right. Ended up having to replace all wheel bearings and one drum as the WA had totally stuffed everything. The guy in SA left all the parts that he replaced out for my inspection.
Larry
iana said
05:14 PM Apr 12, 2015
Never been able to understand the word "Service" seems to be such a rubbery un-defined word. Something invented on the day so one can charge the customer.
Sarge9 said
09:43 PM Apr 12, 2015
I have the experience and the time so like others do my own... and only do it when I believe there is a need... This week there is a need, single axle van, drivers side tyre wearing badly on the inside edge and brakes need adjusting. Bought the 2006 van 2nd H two years ago. Did the brakes and bearings then.... so suspected this time I might be my doing/undoing with the tyre. Brakes needed magnet face machining to improve the contact surface... that' just dust and grit from normal travel (magnets still have wear holes showing) & the tyre?? Probably because muggins did not tighten wheel bearing enough. It was only finger tight when I went to undo... It has shortened the tyre life, but even so I will be still in front on any paid tradesman fee...
Mr Google can explain it all to anyone who can use a jack, wheel-brace and spanner. And its a basic skill worth knowing.
Sarge
Baz421 said
09:55 PM Apr 12, 2015
Did some of my basic checks as we leave for Canberra on Sat.
Jacked up each van wheel, checked bearings (1 needed very minor adjustment after the last repack) and had partner apply brakes when wheels off the ground.
It took me longer to get the jack out of the Tojo, timber base and get set up and put things away than doing the actual job.
I now know bearings are adjusted and brakes are operational on all wheels.
Cost only a bit of time.
Phil C said
08:32 PM Apr 13, 2015
At a pinch, I can do the brakes and bearings. Electrical work is a breeze as I was an electrician. Welding etc will be done by a mate of mine, although I'm not expecting that sort of damage.
I never use the service agents, they charge way too much and don't do a decent job at all.
Cheers
Baz421 said
10:34 PM Apr 13, 2015
OK here's a free tip guys and gals.
Repco have a nationwide service network and nationwide guarantee, I used them for years in Darwin and only used Tojo when it was new and now only use Repco.
I have no association with Repco.
KFT said
10:50 PM Apr 13, 2015
Baz421 wrote:
OK here's a free tip guys and gals.
Repco have a nationwide service network and nationwide guarantee, I used them for years in Darwin and only used Tojo when it was new and now only use Repco.
I have no association with Repco.
Do they work on Caravans?
Baz421 said
10:52 PM Apr 13, 2015
KFT wrote:
Baz421 wrote:
OK here's a free tip guys and gals.
Repco have a nationwide service network and nationwide guarantee, I used them for years in Darwin and only used Tojo when it was new and now only use Repco.
I have no association with Repco.
Do they work on Caravans?
Ah I was "slightly" off topic KFT,,, tugs should have been in that.
KFT said
10:54 PM Apr 13, 2015
No worries mate, that was why I asked.
Usually me that is off topic just ask Dougwe.
I do my own anyway except for the Nissan (still under warranty)
Bruce and Bev said
03:57 PM Apr 16, 2015
Well I got a quite a surprise when I phoned up the manufacturer of my van, Supreme, today to book my vehicle into their service centre for yet more warranty work (only 3 jobs this time - reckon the unit has almost been re-built through the mainly minor, poor workmanship that went into it).
Anyway, as Douge would say - off the topic......I had moaned at them that one set of wheel hubs (on the right side was slightly warm to the touch and the other side wasn't). Got told for warranty I should have got my can serviced at 1500 hm and then every 10,000 km. Told them the Dealer didn't tell me that and hadn't read anything like this in all the paperwork dumped on me.
The upside of this rambling post though folks, is they will do a full mechanical, electrical, structural (chassis, axles, draw bar etc) and as inspection for $199. So far, the cheapest I have been quoted for all this is $320 by a repairer and $600 by the Dealer
iana said
04:13 PM Apr 16, 2015
So does that mean that you go and buy a van for say $70-$100 grand, then you have to take it back for a so called service at 1500K so they can check the quality of their own workmanship and charge you for the honour! Sounds as though you guys are being taken for a ride.
A car worth half that much and the first service (inspection) is free.
elliemike said
10:08 AM Apr 17, 2015
GAS TEST
To Test Your System
Ensure all your gas appliaces are OFF. Fridge, cooker, heaters etc.
This means pilot flames off as well.
OPEN the gas bottle valve and activate the gasfuse, by pressing the gauge down once. This will pressurise the lines/system with gas, and the gauge needle will show the pressure in the yellow or green .
(Be a good thing to test every time a fresh bottle is put on, also after driving for hours over corrugated roads).
CLOSE the gas bottle valve, and observe the needle on the gauge for say two or three minutes.
If the pressure gauge needle drops you possibly might have a gas leak. Get a licenced gas fitter to loook at it.
If it remains steady and hold pressure the system can be assumed to be secure.
Check the gauge after about an hour and it should still be in the same place. But on such a small systems as caravans or motorhomes 2 or 3 minutes would give some indication.
You should get a yearly maintenance gas check done as well.
Regards
Mike
-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 17th of April 2015 10:10:28 AM
iana said
04:44 PM Apr 18, 2015
Just reading my original post on this topic, which I thought was quite reasonable, hardly any of the questions have been answered. I'm starting to feel tired, is it really worth the effort to post topics that I want shared opinions on, with out going "off topic". There needs to be more effort by members to participate, stop bickering and trying to prove yourselves, aimed at the so called sparkies, read the first post, instead of the last comment.
Surely there are more members out there than the few who regularly comment!
Baz421 said
05:25 PM Apr 18, 2015
iana wrote:
Just reading my original post on this topic, which I thought was quite reasonable, hardly any of the questions have been answered. I'm starting to feel tired, is it really worth the effort to post topics that I want shared opinions on, with out going "off topic". There needs to be more effort by members to participate, stop bickering and trying to prove yourselves, aimed at the so called sparkies, read the first post, instead of the last comment. Surely there are more members out there than the few who regularly comment!
Well I took your post 2 ways iana.
The first was yes, we should stick to topic but that's subjective to many people. I tried to say what I do, but because I do it I can't tell you costs per se. I know Repco charge a lot lower labour rate than Toyota dealers.
So do I stop giving answers???
The second was, what are you really saying? More effort to ------- Sounds like you are now off topic yourself with an axe to grind against some members. This is one of the reasons many are either not posting OR have left this site.
Anyway I try to help but I get pi55ed off when I do heaps of research/replies OR spend ages helping someone and they never respond. This is often for one of 2 reasons IMHO.
1 They are too lazy to say thanks or maybe they do not accept the advice, and/or they don't want to assist by telling everyone what the solution/result was.
2 They are embarrassed that they have "stuffed" something or perceive they appear ignorant and go very quiet.
About 2 years ago a guy bought an electric brake kit for his van. From experience I knew this was illegal and researched ALL the legislation and provided him with the definitive written information. I spent hours and hours researching for him, narry a thank you or anything - just stopped posting BUT kept coming on line regularly.
I was most annoyed and I'm sure many who help others regularly feel the same.
I do understand your frustration, but as an ex LAEME and now mechanic you must a good idea what is best and you are able to sort the wheat from the chaff. BUT keep posting.
Rant over,, this was worth 5 cents,,, inflation rears it's head,,lol
Just wondering how many of you do your own servicing.
Do you do your service while on tour?
If you take it into a service agency, how much does it cost.
What exactly do they do ?
I have the technical skills and experience to do almost all of it and recognise what I should not do.
Now retired I certainly have the time that I did not have whilst working so I can take my time and ensure the job is first class
frank
I had a service done a few moons back only to find out two weeks later it may not have been done properly. Thank goodness for a warranty and good after sales service.
I do my own servicing, repairs and modifications where possible. The only time I have had a wheel problem (seized brake) was when I had a job done by a Caravan repairer who said they had a special on for Brakes and Bearing service. Had them do that at the same time.
Three months and I had to do the lot again myself. Luckily only a few hours from home. That was just due to poor work, or no skill.
So I have to use the experts!!!!
You know the old saying about an expert.
An ex ... is a has been
A spert?? ... is a drip.
Still have to pay for the service I guess.
Jay&Dee
If using the brakes a lot, 10000 k's is probably a good idea, otherwise I think it is over kill for the wheel bearings, they are always still packed with clean grease after 10000.
Bevan
I do everything except gas lines etc and 240V, cos I am either qualified or have enough experience/nous.
I always say at this point - to do bearings at 10,000km or time based ie every 12 months is an overkill.
Did my bearings last year after 7 years, as good as new. repacked and reinstalled.
On my 2nd set of brake linings and original magnets,,, BUT it does pay to check brakes and magnets for wear on a regular basis - a very easy job and doesn't take too long.
Commercial vehicles, trucks and trailers don't change bearings in short time or low km, so what makes a caravan different and needing over servicing?
I understand that if you need to change magnets and shoes, it is more economical, and easier to replace the whole back plate assembly.
What about the travellers full time on the road, do they do their own service at the park, or take it to a service agent?
Larry
I have the experience and the time so like others do my own... and only do it when I believe there is a need... This week there is a need, single axle van, drivers side tyre wearing badly on the inside edge and brakes need adjusting. Bought the 2006 van 2nd H two years ago. Did the brakes and bearings then.... so suspected this time I might be my doing/undoing with the tyre. Brakes needed magnet face machining to improve the contact surface... that' just dust and grit from normal travel (magnets still have wear holes showing) & the tyre?? Probably because muggins did not tighten wheel bearing enough. It was only finger tight when I went to undo... It has shortened the tyre life, but even so I will be still in front on any paid tradesman fee...
Mr Google can explain it all to anyone who can use a jack, wheel-brace and spanner. And its a basic skill worth knowing.
Sarge
Did some of my basic checks as we leave for Canberra on Sat.
Jacked up each van wheel, checked bearings (1 needed very minor adjustment after the last repack) and had partner apply brakes when wheels off the ground.
It took me longer to get the jack out of the Tojo, timber base and get set up and put things away than doing the actual job.
I now know bearings are adjusted and brakes are operational on all wheels.
Cost only a bit of time.
I never use the service agents, they charge way too much and don't do a decent job at all.
Cheers
OK here's a free tip guys and gals.
Repco have a nationwide service network and nationwide guarantee, I used them for years in Darwin and only used Tojo when it was new and now only use Repco.
I have no association with Repco.
Do they work on Caravans?
Ah I was "slightly" off topic KFT,,, tugs should have been in that.
Usually me that is off topic just ask Dougwe.
I do my own anyway except for the Nissan (still under warranty)
Anyway, as Douge would say - off the topic......I had moaned at them that one set of wheel hubs (on the right side was slightly warm to the touch and the other side wasn't). Got told for warranty I should have got my can serviced at 1500 hm and then every 10,000 km. Told them the Dealer didn't tell me that and hadn't read anything like this in all the paperwork dumped on me.
The upside of this rambling post though folks, is they will do a full mechanical, electrical, structural (chassis, axles, draw bar etc) and as inspection for $199. So far, the cheapest I have been quoted for all this is $320 by a repairer and $600 by the Dealer
A car worth half that much and the first service (inspection) is free.
GAS TEST
To Test Your System
Ensure all your gas appliaces are OFF. Fridge, cooker, heaters etc.
This means pilot flames off as well.
OPEN the gas bottle valve and activate the gasfuse, by pressing the gauge down once. This will pressurise the lines/system with gas, and the gauge needle will show the pressure in the yellow or green .
(Be a good thing to test every time a fresh bottle is put on, also after driving for hours over corrugated roads).
CLOSE the gas bottle valve, and observe the needle on the gauge for say two or three minutes.
If the pressure gauge needle drops you possibly might have a gas leak. Get a licenced gas fitter to loook at it.
If it remains steady and hold pressure the system can be assumed to be secure.
Check the gauge after about an hour and it should still be in the same place. But on such a small systems as caravans or motorhomes 2 or 3 minutes would give some indication.
You should get a yearly maintenance gas check done as well.
Regards
Mike
-- Edited by elliemike on Friday 17th of April 2015 10:10:28 AM
Surely there are more members out there than the few who regularly comment!
Well I took your post 2 ways iana.
The first was yes, we should stick to topic but that's subjective to many people. I tried to say what I do, but because I do it I can't tell you costs per se. I know Repco charge a lot lower labour rate than Toyota dealers.
So do I stop giving answers???
The second was, what are you really saying? More effort to ------- Sounds like you are now off topic yourself with an axe to grind against some members. This is one of the reasons many are either not posting OR have left this site.
Anyway I try to help but I get pi55ed off when I do heaps of research/replies OR spend ages helping someone and they never respond. This is often for one of 2 reasons IMHO.
1 They are too lazy to say thanks or maybe they do not accept the advice, and/or they don't want to assist by telling everyone what the solution/result was.
2 They are embarrassed that they have "stuffed" something or perceive they appear ignorant and go very quiet.
About 2 years ago a guy bought an electric brake kit for his van. From experience I knew this was illegal and researched ALL the legislation and provided him with the definitive written information. I spent hours and hours researching for him, narry a thank you or anything - just stopped posting BUT kept coming on line regularly.
I was most annoyed and I'm sure many who help others regularly feel the same.
I do understand your frustration, but as an ex LAEME and now mechanic you must a good idea what is best and you are able to sort the wheat from the chaff. BUT keep posting.
Rant over,, this was worth 5 cents,,, inflation rears it's head,,lol
Cheers Baz